Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at the Cynwyd Club, Bala Cynwyd, PA
Time: Networking, 5:30 PM; Dinner, 6:30 PM; Talk and Business Session, 7:30 PM

“The Role of the Expert Witness In the Courtroom”

Dr. Richard Saferstein

Abstract: In civil and criminal cases alike, an expert witness can play a pivotal role in deciding the outcome of a trial. As lawsuits have proliferated so have the number of experts whose testimony can make or break a case in court. To take full advantage of an expert's potential, the attorney must work with the expert to effectively deliver to the trier-of-fact opinion testimony that is clear and convincing. The forensic scientist must not only be proficient in applying science, but he/she must be skilled at communicating in the courtroom. This seminar will explore how one can prepare him or herself for testimony in the courtroom. Subjects that will be covered include courtroom demeanor, important points to emphasize when conducting a pre-trial conference with your attorney, effective direct testimony, and standing your ground during cross-examination. Portions of a videotaped trial will be reviewed during the seminar in order to emphasize the strong and weak points of an expert’s courtroom testimony.

Biography: A forensic science consultant, Dr. Richard Saferstein has testified in over 1,000 cases. He retired as Chief Forensic Scientist of the New Jersey State Police Laboratory in 1991. Prior to coming to the NJ State Police, he was employed as a forensic chemist with the Treasury Department and as an analytical chemist with Shell Chemical Co. The author of numerous technical papers, Dr. Saferstein has also written two widely used textbooks on the subject titled Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science- 9th edition (Prentice-Hall, 2007), and Forensic Science: An Introduction (Prentice-Hall-2008). Dr Saferstein has edited leading professional reference texts dealing with important forensic science topics: Forensic Science Handbook, Volumes I,. 2nd edition (Prentice-Hall, 2002), Forensic Science Handbook Volumes II, 2nd edition (2005), and Forensic Science Handbook Volumes III (1993). Dr. Saferstein serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Forensic Identification and has served on the editorial boards of the Journal of Forensic Sciences and Microchemical Journal. He received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from City University of New York. Dr. Saferstein is a member of ACS and numerous professional forensic societies.

Location: The Cynwyd Club, 332 Trevor Lane, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. From I-76 drive S on City Line Ave. (US Rte. 1). Turn right on Conshohocken State Rd. (Rte. 23); stay in right lane. After second light watch for white left-turn arrows painted on street (about .14 mi/750 ft). Do not follow Rte. 23 left at turn but instead go straight ahead onto Llandrillo Rd. (passing to right of Valley Press printing). In one block bear left onto Trevor Lane at stop sign. Clubhouse and parking are on the left. Please park in lot if space is available; otherwise park on Trevor Lane. If lost, call the club at 610-667-4524, ext. 2.  MAP

Reservation: To make or cancel a dinner reservation, e-mail CCNReservations@aol.com or call the ACS office at 215-382-1589 (leave message on voicemail if necessary). Fee, including food and beverages (wine, beer & sodas), is $25 by the deadline, $35 afterwards. Reservation deadline is Thursday, September 4. Late reservations and walk-ins subject to availability. No-shows will be invoiced. Please advise of any special food requirements. There is no charge for talk only, but registration is suggested using contact information above.